The world of work is ever-shifting - driven by AI, automation, and global complexities. More than ever, it’s not just about what you know, but how you adapt, upskill, and stay curious.
Let’s explore some of the most in-demand skills identified by (LinkedIn)[https://www.linkedin.com/business/talent/blog/learning-and-development/skills-on-the-rise] and the (World Economic Forum (WEF))[https://www.weforum.org/publications/the-future-of-jobs-report-2025/in-full/3-skills-outlook/]. These are the skills that help people stay relevant, creative, and confident in their careers.
1. Adaptable mindset
LinkedIn’s analysis shows adaptability as a consistently top-scoring skill over the past three years. Change is inevitable, and the people thriving today are those who embrace it.
An adaptable growth mindset means being open to feedback, unafraid and flexible with trying new things and hungry to learn. You can build it by reflecting on challenges, tracking progress, and seeing mistakes as part of the process.
2. Human communication and active listening
In the modern workplace, strong communication means more than just presenting ideas clearly - it’s about emotional intelligence, cultural fluency, and the ability to navigate disagreement.
Skills like active listening, emotional intelligence, and cross-cultural awareness are in high demand, especially in remote or hybrid teams. Practise tuning into tone, asking clarifying questions, and reflecting back what you hear.
These small habits are easy to develop, and they don’t just help you get your point across - they build trust, which is the foundation for strong relations and collaborative output.
3. Tech literacy (without being an expert)
You won’t be surprised to see this in the WEF’s top 10 core skills. You don’t need to be able to code – you just need to collaborate with AI and other systems to be resourceful and excel in your role. Whether it’s using AI to draft a first version of a report or visualising data in a tool like Canva or Excel, digital confidence is essential.
Start by experimenting with tools already in your workflow or learning from peers who use tech creatively in their roles.
4. Problem-solving and creativity
In uncertain environments, the most valuable people are those who stay curious, spot opportunities, and think laterally.
It’s less about big, shiny ideas and more about being resourceful. Can you reframe a problem? Can you test something and improve it quickly? That kind of creative thinking adds value no matter what your role is.
5. Resilience and self-leadership
Emotional resilience helps you bounce back from setbacks. But the broader skill highlighted by WEF is self-leadership. This means managing energy, time, mindset, and relationships. It also means knowing when to speak up, when to sit back, and how to sustain your momentum at all times.
6. Lifelong learning
Both LinkedIn and WEF highlight curiosity and continuous learning as critical skills. Upskilling is no longer optional. But that doesn’t mean chasing every hot topic - it means learning how to learn. Set small, regular goals: follow seasoned professionals in the industry, try a short course, and explore topics outside your field. Know what you want whilst showing the flexibility of a generalist.
Change is part of nature. We’re responsible for managing our development in proactive ways, preparing us for anything. These six skills are long-term assets. Work on them with intention and you’ll do more than just keep up – you’ll stand out.
Want to go deeper? Listen to development coach Jennifer Bilger’s practical ways to lead others through change at work in (Leading Your Team Through Change)[https://bookboon.com/premium/books/leading-your-team-through-change].
